The Principles of Premises Liability

Property owners have a
responsibility to protect customers, visitors and others who come onto their
premises from physical harm, and they can be held financially liable when
omissions in this area result in accidents and injuries. The victims of such
mishaps may consider taking legal action, but they will need the services of a
Des Moines injury lawyer to ensure that they are treated fairly. They can find
such help from the Reid Law Firm.

Understanding Premises Liability
Under the “duty of care” principle, property owners need to recognize
obvious hazards and either correct them or at least warn others of the threat.
These are some common threats that fall under the rules of premises liability:

•The accumulation of water or other substances on surfaces
•Ice or snow accumulating on walkways during the winter months
•Unsecured objects that could fall from shelves or other high places
•Potholes in parking lots or walking areas
•Flawed railings on stairways
•Aggressive animals

Such threats can result in a variety of injuries, including broken bones,
lacerations, muscle sprains and brain trauma. Some injuries can even be fatal.

Proving a Personal Injury Case
An injured victim must prove that the property owner was responsible for
protecting the victim and breached that responsibility. There must also be
evidence that the breach was directly responsible for the injury. Working out
these issues will require intervention by a Des Moines injury lawyer.

Seeking Monetary Damages
In cases that are proven, damages may be sought to cover medical expenses and
to replace lost wages. They may also be sought to compensate for the pain and
suffering related to an injury. In order to help guarantee that the damages
awarded are sufficient, those involved in premises liability cases should
consider contacting the Reid Law Firm.